Foreign leaders welcome Obama's NSA reforms

Foreign leaders have welcomed US President Barack Obama's announcement on plans to curb the National Security Authority's powers. US agencies will only use bulk collection of data to fight terrorism, protect troops and allies, and combat crime.

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US Intelligence agencies will only use bulk collection of data for fighting terrorism, protecting troops and allies, as well as combatting crime, President Obama announced today, as he announced plans to curb the National Security Agency's authority.

President Obama added that a review of intelligence gathering practices will not be completed overnight, but said he wants the American people to know the "work has begun".

The US government is also to extend "certain protections" for Americans to people overseas that would limit time in which personal information can be held and how it can be used, Mr Obama announced.

Bulk data storage allows for the "potential of abuse", President Obama has said, as he announced plans to curb the National Security Agency's authority.

"While few doubt the legitimacy of spying on hostile states, individuals acting on their own is a new threat," Mr Obama said.

"These signals intelligence efforts have prevented multiple attacks and saved innocent lives, not just in the United States but around the globe. But the risk of government overreach has also become more pronounced".

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President Barack Obama has announced curbs on the US government spying on dozens of foreign heads of state and government who are among Washington's close friends and allies, senior administration officials said on Friday.

Barack Obama announces curb on NSA authority. Credit: APTN

Mr Obama, however, said that intelligence "helps secure our country and our freedoms" at a conference addressing the revelations.

He added: "The US has benefitted from both our constitution and traditions of limited government".